October 16, 2013

Instagram has leaked any element of surprise that might be included in this post, but I'm still coming down from the emotional high of having Ali in Brooklyn this weekend. Yes, I already got to visit her once in New Orleans, but being in our home together was... EVERYTHING.When my computer died in August and I was forced to say goodbye to what remained of my hardrive, I came to the painful realization that nearly all of the photos of Ali and I together were taken on my cellphone. I could come to terms with losing the ones that weren't backed up or uploaded to Facebook, but we decided to spend a little time in front of the camera together, and have some real photos that weren't just hashtag-selfies. Continue...Photos by Lydia HudgensWith the benefit of finally having full-body pictures of Ali & me together to reflect on, I've been thinking about the ways our relationships do (or do not) influence our style.Getting dressed in the context of my relationship with Ali feels completely different than previous relationships, where I struggled to maintain some of my authenticity to myself without being influenced by my partner. With Ali, my flamboyance and love for sequins and high heels (even in spite of our height difference), is not just tolerated, but encouraged. I can wear all the flouncy skirts and leather and pink that I want and feel celebrated. It's really nice to be able to just be myself and express myself through fashion in any way that feels fit - bouts of materialism, femme drag, over-the-top-ness and all. It's just a very (very) small part of all the things I value in our relationship.
Of course, there's something to be said for the way I feel our styles complement each other, too! While we never do that weird, matchy-matchy couple thing (warning, previous link is a total, creepy k-hole), I always feel like we "go together" (like shamalama, kadinkididinki dong... yes i'm sleep deprived. Sorry.)

Ali on Nicolette's Style:When I first met Nicolette I was completely taken aback at how effortlessly she could put an outfit together. Fashion isn't necessarily a 'priority' of mine (opposites attract, right?) but I found myself thinking long and hard about the magical gift she had. How does SOOO much pink not become TOO much pink? I came to the conclusion that she was most likely a fashion goddess/guru/wizard-lady. I quickly learned that she was actually a fashion writer and a fashion goddess/guru/wizard-lady. It's hard for me to question any part of her style because I think everything about her is fabulous, (and that might be my love goggles). Though, I do get a good chuckle when I think to myself "Yes, you look good in that ratty, old tee" only to realize it's Rodarte.

PS: Do you love my boots or my sweater? You can get 25% off everything at SHOPBOP now with code "INTHEFAMILY25"

My wife and I started our relationship 12 years ago and since then our style has obviously evolved. Even though we have very different senses of style we somehow we have gone in the same direction. We share lots of our clothes and well, I think that's a perk of being married to another woman, don't you think? ;) Anyway, we never look matchy-matchy because our personalities are quite different and the attitude, the accessories and the way each of us styles the outfit make the same piece looks completely different if she wears it or if I'm wearing it. We have similar taste, but different results when planning outfits. Love your pics, you both look so happy!xx,E.www.theslowpace.com

I love the beautiful pictures! It is so important to "document" the wonderful days of our lives, I know I take that for granted! I love the sweater and the smoking loafers. Um and that sofa, what color is that? Tufted..just beautiful.

I'm not gonna get deep, but last year I became ordained to marry same sex couples. I really love this post because I believe in love not having a gender requirment. You too look so happy, and I just love this post!!!

You two are adorable, and I love this post so much. And I do think one's style does change when in a relationship - I have learned a lot from my husband, and he from me. We do find we coordinate more often, and I trust his opinion because he has learned what my style is, and when I am veering from it. You will so treasure the photos from this shoot for many years to come! <3

you are so right Ali, I also wonder 'how does she do it'! she always always looks impeccable, stylish, quirky, unique, different! so many people who wear pink and glitters can look cheesy, be she has such a unique style! that is why she is one of my favorite bloggers together with the beckermans! oh and so jealous of her skin and make up talents and flawless lips! okay, so nicolette, this comment is actually for Ali, but it is about you ;)

Beautiful post! Also, I'm so happy that you're with a woman. I'm sure that sounds weird, but I have a girlfriend as well, and it's just NICE to see a normal, happy, same-sex couple out there doin their thang. I live in South Korea with my girlfriend teaching English and traveling, and if we were to be openly gay here there's almost a 100% chance that we would be fired and lose our visa, etc. Anyway, thank you for being open about your relationship, and you guys are adorable! :)

Haha!! It's not weird. It is really, really nice and affirming to see other couples being visible in the world. I think there's something to be said for being openly gay in the fashion industry too; for all the liberal, "Gay friendly" representation that it gets, that attitude is really biased towards gay men more so than anyone else in the GLBT world.

I'm so sorry that you and your partner have to live with that fear/risk. Fingers crossed you have some good community with you in South Korea!!

Thank you!! I love hearing that. It was funny going through the photos because my eyes are barely visible in any of them... Which is only because I was smiling so big that my cheek bones made my eyes all squinty. Happiness.

We do have a great community out here of loving and supportive people that allow us to be ourselves, so that's really amazing and nice.

That's definitely true, I would imagine that the fashion industry is very biased towards gay men rather than others. People's perceptions of lesbians's fashion is usually that we're super hipster or very man-ish; and although there are plenty of lesbians out there dressing like that (me included sometimes!), sometimes we like beautiful dresses and sparkles and pretty shoes! Thanks for reppin'. :)

Gosh, this is perfect!!You two are absolutely adorable, you just radiate happiness. :)I also loved reading what Ali said and I hope to see more of her on your blog in the future.

Being with my boyfriend definitely changed my style [more colours and overall more confidence to be visible] and I like to think I'm a good influence on his style as well. In the very least, he has to spend more time shopping :D

My favorite part was Ali's take on your style and the Rodarte comment. I died. You guys make a great couple and your style do compliment each other. Come to think of it...I only have cell pics with my honey as well. HMMM....

I love the idea of taking real life couple photos -- not the ones where I smush my face next to my husband's and demand that he smile so that I can capture the whole image with my free-hand cell phone selfie-taking skills (or lack thereof). And you two are adorable!xx lexi @ glitter, inc.

Possibly (probably) one of my favourite posts of yours ever. I just adore the two of you together, and I can't help but smile at these photos and the line about you celebrating (rather than just tolerating) each other's style. And that last line of Ali's made me giggle out loud!!

IMAGES MAY NOT BE DOWNLOADED, MANIPULATED, OR REPRODUCED WITHOUT PRIOR WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM NICOLETTE MASON. COMMERCIAL OR PRIVATE USE WITHOUT EXPLICIT WRITTEN CONSENT IS PROHIBITED AND PUNISHABLE THROUGH US AND WORLDWIDE COPYRIGHT LAWS; THIS APPLIES TO ALL CREATIVE ELEMENTS, INCLUDING PHOTOGRAPHY, GRAPHICS, AND WRITTEN CONTENT.

SOME CONTEXTUAL LINKS ON THIS PAGE MAY GENERATE A SMALL COMMISSION THROUGH AN AFFILIATE NETWORK, BUT REST ASSURED, YOUR INFORMATION WILL NEVER BE SAVED OR SHARED.